Two arrested over alleged distribution of sex photos

The China Post news staff--Two men were arrested yesterday for allegedly spreading sexual photographs of Justin Lee (李宗瑞) and several female celebrities on the Internet. The police seized their computers for future investigations and cautioned the public not to violate the law by distributing the photographs.

According to Lee's girlfriend, Joyce Lai (賴慕禎), Lee may be hiding in Southern Taiwan for fear of being recognized by acquaintances in Taipei.

In an effort to terminate the distribution of the aforementioned photographs, the Criminal Investigation Bureau's (CIB) Technology Crime Center and Taipei Criminal Investigation Division (TCID) issued search warrants and found two men suspected of spreading the photos in Sanchong District of New Taipei City and Chungli City of Taoyuan County.

TCID investigator Tang Sih-huai (唐斯淮) stated that the distribution of pornographic content violates Criminal Law Rule 235 and Rule 315-2. Violators may face penalties of two to five years in prison, detention or a fine of NT$30,000 to NT$50,000.

According to local reports, the police are still in the process of trying to locate Lee, as local gang members are also getting involved in the case through blackmail and intimidation.

The TCID stated it has confidence that Lee will be apprehended within the coming days.

Maggie Wu (吳亞馨), a model and one of the alleged victims, canceled her press conference and called for the general public to cease distributing the photographs. Legislator Hsu Shu-hua (許淑華) confirmed that Wu sounded fragile over telephone calls.

Hsu urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. She also said that it is of utmost importance to protect the victims' self-esteem by preventing the distribution of the photographs. Hsu even asked for Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin to become involved in the investigation and bring it to a swift end.

According to local reports, Lai has insisted that she did not contact Lee at all. Her identity as a wanted woman, however, has allowed police to keep her in custody. The police reported that in addition to Lee's case, Lai will also be under individual investigation on charges of forgery. Lai's sister, Lai Mu-rong (賴慕容), is also currently in custody and is being investigated by the Taipei District Public Prosecutors Office (TDPPO).

According to local reports, police did not begin their investigation on Lee until discs allegedly containing nude photographs of more than 40 models and celebrities were reported and found at his apartment. Allegedly, Lee, son of rich businessman Lee Yue-cang (李岳蒼), liked to show off his wealth, attend parties, and has had several love affairs with celebrities like Wu.

Affected by his son's negative news, Lee's father immediately resigned as a board member of Yuanta Securities in an effort to shield the company from negative press.

In order to track down Lee, Lee's mother, Shi Jin-xiu, was also subpoenaed and listed as defendant in the case.